The Jerusalem Decree

The church has long recognized the Jerusalem council in Acts 15 as a model for how the church is to make important decisions. However, the decree issued by this council presents some initial difficulties for interpretation because it contains several commands that later revelation seems to contradict.

In this sermon, Dr. R.C. Sproul analyzes the decree of the Jerusalem council found in Acts 15:22-29 and shows how the distinction between principle and custom demonstrates how this decree fits harmoniously with the teaching of the entire Bible. With attention to original context and a concern to relate this historical event to the rest of the biblical canon, Dr. Sproul helps us determine which biblical commands are universal norms and which govern behavior only for a limited period of time.